Following the COVID-19 outbreak onboard the Minerva Oceania tanker, Belgium’s Agency for Maritime Services and Coast (MDK) is investigating the causes.
Specifically, it has been reported that 15 crew members onboard the tankers have been positively tested for COVID at the port of Antwerp. The pilot who guided the vessel into the port has been also tested positive.
The local outlet GVA stated that the Flemish pilots’ association has also expressed concern about the risk to its members and the timeliness of the notification of an onboard outbreak.
The operator of the tanker noted that the master reported the first case of COVID-19 symptoms on board as soon as it occurred – one day after the vessel arrived in port.
The Minerva Oceania arrived in Antwerp in June 19 on a voyage from Qatar and is now in quarantine and will remain in place until at least July 4.
